Our Longsword Foundations course is designed for people to learn the very basics of historically accurate sword fighting with the Longsword. Intended as a starting point for people with a range of experience, from those who have never held a sword to lifelong martial artists, students learn the basic movements and body mechanics, including footwork and 7 methods of cutting with a longsword, along with principles of attacking and defending simultaneously, what do when the swords clash and stay in contact, and even how to defend themselves while disengaging.
The 3 main areas of focus are described below:
Learn basic and foundational techniques of the Longsword as taught by Joachim Meyer (1534-1571).
Joachim Meyer was a Fencing Master in Strasbourg who taught and wrote extensively between 1560 and 1571.
He left behind 3 handwritten manuscripts and also published an extensive book on combat, covering the Longsword, Dussack, Rapier, Dagger, Staff and Polearms, and even fighting in armor.
All of the foundational elements for each of the weapons he wrote about were taught using the Longsword, which is why that is where we’re starting.
Learn common historical vocabulary and terminology for the principles and techniques.
This vocabulary is used worldwide by people who study and practice the longsword material from the German speaking regions that spans from the 14th century through the 17th century and even beyond.
By learning this vocabulary, students will be able to communicate effectively with others from around the world who are also studying this historical art and its related material.
Learn to be competent and safe training and sparring partners.
Being able to train and fence safely and not injure yourself or your partner is absolutely critical to the pursuit of this art. We train with a “Safety First” mindset, making each person responsible for the safety of their partner – if your partner knows that you’re watching out for their safety, they’re FAR more likely to want to train with you.
Being a good training partner means many things to many people, but to us it means 2 things:
- Being safe by ensuring that you have control over yourself and your equipment at all times and by constantly watching out for the safety of your training partner/opponent.
- Being willing to focus on helping and supporting your partner’s learning and development. Often times that means taking turns being the “tackle dummy” while the other works on the technique.